We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.
—Charles Kingsley (1819–75) English Clergyman, Academic, Historian, Novelist
No person is ever good for much, that hasn’t been swept off their feet by enthusiasm between ages twenty and thirty.
—James Anthony Froude (1818–94) British Historian, Novelist, Biographer, Editor
This, indeed, is one of the eternal paradoxes of both life and literature — that without passion little gets done; yet, without control of that passion, its effects are largely ill or null.
—F. L. Lucas (1894–1967) English Literary Critic, Poet, Novelist, Playwright
Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.
—P. T. Barnum (1810–91) American Businessperson, Entertainer
Enthusiasm is: A quiet spiritual strength: An inner glow: Faith in action: Greatest asset in the world: Beats money power influence: Tramples over prejudice.
—Henry Chester
Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.
—Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) American Self-Help Author
To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully.
—Tryon Edwards American Theologian
The method of the enterprising is to plan with audacity and execute with vigor.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
Truth is never to be expected from authors whose understanding is warped with enthusiasm.
—John Dryden (1631–1700) English Poet, Literary Critic, Playwright, Translator
Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm. — It is the real allegory of the tale of Orpheus; it moves stones, and charms brutes. — It is the genius of sincerity, and truth accomplishes no victories without it.
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) English Poet, Literary Critic, Philosopher
Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.
—Ivern Ball (1926–92) American Writer, Aphorist
The real secret to success is enthusiasm.
—Walter Chrysler (1875–1940) American Engineer, Industrialist
It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you’ve wanted to do so badly. You almost feel like you could fly without the plane.
—Charles Lindbergh (1902–74) American Aviator, Inventor, Conservationist
Great designs are not accomplished without enthusiasm of some sort.—It is the inspiration of everything great.—Without it no man is to be feared, and with it none despised.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
The mathematics of high achievement–
Begin with a dream.
DIVIDE the problems and conquer them one by one.
MULTIPLY the exciting possibilities in your mind.
SUBTRACT all the negative thoughts to get started.
ADD enthusiasm and determination.
And the RESULT will be the attainment of your goal.
—Anonymous
The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity.
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95) English Biologist
Whatever course you have chosen for yourself, it will not be a chore but an adventure if you bring to it a sense of the glory of striving, if your sights are set far above the merely secure and mediocre.
—David Sarnoff (1891–1972) American Broadcaster, Businessman
What is man but his passion?
—Robert Penn Warren (1905–89) American Poet, Novelist, Literary Critic
When a person applies enthusiasm to his job, the job will itself become alive with exciting new possibilities.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.
—Charles M. Schwab (1862–1939) American Businessperson
You don’t have to suffer to be a poet. Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone.
—John Ciardi (1916–86) American Poet, Teacher, Etymologist, Translator
Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you’ll be fired with enthusiasm.
—Vince Lombardi (1913–70) American Football Coach
You see me in my most virile moment when you see me doing what I do. When I am directing, a special energy comes upon me … It is only when I am doing my work that I feel truly alive. It is like having sex.
—Federico Fellini (1920–93) Italian Filmmaker
You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.
—Colette (1873–1954) French Novelist, Performer
Every production of genius must be the production of enthusiasm.
—Isaac D’Israeli (1766–1848) English Writer, Scholar
If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.
—Bruce Fairchild Barton (1886–1967) American Author, Advertising Executive, Politician
Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.
—John Wesley (1703–91) British Methodist Religious Leader, Preacher, Theologian
I don’t know about having too much zeal; but I think it is better the pot should boil over than not boil at all.
—Anonymous
What one has, one ought to use; and whatever he does, he should do with all his might.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
Enthusiasm is a vital element toward the individual success of every man or woman.
—Conrad Hilton (1887–1979) American Business Person
The language of excitement is at best picturesque merely. You must be calm before you can utter oracles.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–62) American Philosopher
Faith that the thing can be done is essential to any great achievement.
—Thomas N. Carruthers
I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.
—Charles M. Schwab (1862–1939) American Businessperson
Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal. The winner is he who gives himself to his work, body and soul.
—Sir Thomas Buxton, 1st Baronet (1786–1845) English Politician, Social Reformer
What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.
—Unknown
For every sale you miss because you’re too enthusiastic, you will miss a hundred because you’re not enthusiastic enough.
—Zig Ziglar (1926–2012) American Author
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
Morale is the greatest single factor in successful wars.
—Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) American Head of State, Military Leader
Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm. — It is the real allegory of the tale of Orpheus; it moves stones, and charms brutes. — It is the genius of sincerity, and truth accomplishes no victories without it.
—Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–73) British Novelist, Poet, Politician
Energy, even like the Biblical grain of mustard-seed, will move mountains.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Universalist Clergyman, Writer
It’s faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth looking at.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–94) American Physician, Essayist
Zeal will do more than knowledge.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Only passions, great passions, can elevate the soul to great things.
—Denis Diderot (1713–84) French Philosopher, Writer
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Enthusiasm is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers over the production of genius.
—Isaac D’Israeli (1766–1848) English Writer, Scholar
Nothing great in this world has been accomplished without passion.
—Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) German Philosopher
The condition of the most passionate enthusiast is to be preferred over the individual who, because of the fear of making a mistake, won’t in the end affirm or deny anything.
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish Historian, Essayist
The real secret of success is enthusiasm. Yes, more than enthusiasm, I would say excitement. I like to see men get excited. When they get excited they make a success of their lives.
—Walter Chrysler (1875–1940) American Engineer, Industrialist
Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.
—Arnold Glasow (1905–98) American Businessman
The real difference between men is energy. A strong will, a settled purpose, an invincible determination, can accomplish almost anything; and in this lies the distinction between great men and little men.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
Let your enthusiasm radiate in your voice, your actions, your facial expressions, your personality, the words you use, and the thoughts you think! Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
A leader is someone who creates infectious enthusiasm.
—Ted Turner (b.1938) American Businessperson, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
I prefer the folly of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom.
—Anatole France (1844–1924) French Novelist
Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you’ve got to say, and say it hot.
—D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930) English Novelist, Playwright, Poet, Essayist, Literary Critic
Never let your zeal outrun your charity. The former is but human, the latter is divine.
—Hosea Ballou (1771–1852) American Universalist Clergyman, Writer
Life is not all fun and easy going. Far from it; there are many rough times. But, sadly, we too often let the hard times dull our enthusiasm. And that is dangerous, if not fatal, to our lives.
—Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) American Clergyman, Self-Help Author
The worst bankrupt in the world is the man who has lost his enthusiasm. Let a man lose everything else in the world but his enthusiasm and he will come through again to success.
—William Howard Arnold
There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure.
—Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) American Head of State, Military Leader
Let a man in a garret but bum with enough intensity and he will set fire to the world.
—Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900–44) French Novelist, Aviator
The world belongs to the enthusiast who keeps cool.
—William McFee (1881–1966) English Writer
It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.
—Douglas MacArthur (1880–1964) American Military Leader
Our passions are ourselves.
—Anatole France (1844–1924) French Novelist
The difference between one man and another is not mere ability … it is energy.
—Thomas Arnold (1795–1842) English Educationalist
The prudent person may direct a state, but it is the enthusiast who regenerates or ruins it.
—Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1803–73) British Novelist, Poet, Politician